Customer Reviews

Calvary Chapel Distinctives

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Some bullet points:

*After reading this book, I have to say... his spirit I like and I have real respect for someone who teaches right through the Bible (eight times!).
*A lot of his distinctives aren't exactly unique distinctives. That's to be expected. No one would want an entirely distinct denomination--it wouldn't be Christian.

Holy Spirit
*Regarding the Holy Spirit's indwelling, empowering, and baptizing, he places a lot of stock in the difference between Greek prepositions para, epi, and en.
*States categorically that believers need to have a second experience with the Spirit, whatever they might call it.

*He says Calvary Chapel is episcopal because it has an overseer with elders under him.

*Dismisses the church growth movement: says programs and hype create a self-perpetuating need for more of the same whereas simple Bible preaching is solid food and the best way to grow a church.
*He firmly defends his decision to restore fallen ministry leaders. He spends so much time on it that it seems like he's taken a lot of flack for it. But he couches much of it as if he's speaking only of restoring fallen people, not putting fallen pastors back in their authority positions. He admits he's been burned on this but would rather err on the side of grace.

Calvinism
*A quotation from page 55: "It's easy to fall into legalism. We need to beware of this temptation. Beware of taking a hard stand. I have found, for the most part, that when a person gets heavy into 'Reformation Theology,' they usually get heavy into legalism. They want to make sure the 'T's' are crossed and the 'I's' are dotted just right. 'Reformation Theology' has some good points, but so does a porcupine. When you embrace it too forcefully, then you're going to get the points." He says right after this that the Bible teaches both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.

*He's on his eighth preaching tour through the Bible.
*He opposes tongues speaking in church on mostly practical grounds: it's not convenient, because not everyone can hear the interpretation. He encourages the private use of tongues, however.

Eschatology
*"I believe it is God's intention that every church age be convinced that they are the last generation." 75 "Paul believed that he would probably be alive and remain until the coming of the Lord." 76 Smith is pre-mil, pre-trib.
*He takes what can be called the "historical" view of the seven churches (they were seven actual, historical churches) but thinks they also represent periods of church history--and (!) types of churches in existence today.
*Lot is a type of the church (following 2 Peter's mention of him), evidence that God will not allow the church to go through the Tribulation.
*"He that now letteth" is the Holy Spirit. 93

The first time I was exposed to Calvary Chapel was back in 1977. I was invited to what is now called Harvest Christian Fellowship and the teaching ministry of Greg Laurie.

Coming from a 'fundamentalist, independent, Baptist' church, you could probably imagine my 'shock and horror' to see the guys and gals greeting each other with hugs of affection, progressive worship music, relaxed dress code, people laughing and carrying on, having a good time, etc. - buncha hippies :-)!

But then Greg, with his long hair and all (cue the spoof song 'Hairology' from 'The Fundamentalist Hour'), opened the Word and taught it simply yet powerfully.

My confusion only escalated during the 'Harvest Crusades' where hundreds of people would go forward proclaiming Christ as Lord and Savior - how could God 'bless' all these hippies and their unbiblical doctrines and practices (at least the way I saw scripture)? Drove me nuts!

Fastforward to 2002 - for the last 2.5 yrs, I've been attending a Calvary Chapel. It is exactly what my wife and I needed - she cried after the first sermon - she was introduced to a Jesus she always wanted to meet. More than anything, my personal philosophy of ministry was confirmed by the precious folks at Calvary Chapel.

Pastor Smith has written and synopsized Calvary Chapel's distinctives in a clear and forthright manner, leaving no doubt as to where Calvary Chapel stands on numerous issues. It becomes a framework for all future CC pastors.

Pastor Smith has through the years cultivated a unique relationship with his 'sons in the Lord' to love the Lord and teach the Word very effectively. You may or may not agree with all that Calvary Chapel holds to in this book, but to employ the principles in this book for 'doing church' will go along way in getting your church off on the right foot.

I heartily recommend this book to folks from all doctrinal persuasions as an excellent guide on where and how Calvary Chapel stands and worships Jesus.

This book presents the view points of church management of one of the most successful churches in the states today. It touches some controversial aspects like Calvinism vs. Aminianism, Pentecost view vs. Baptist view of the Holy Spirit, etc., and shows the balanced ground that Calvary Chapel is taking on these issues. It also illustrates by examples the point that, throughout the church history, many movements were born of the spirit but attempted to be perfected in flesh and ended up dying. It contains a lot of godly counsel and scriptural quotes, yet without an attempt to convince people for argument's sake. Finally, this book is another exmaple of pastor Chuck Smith's casual and personal communication style.

Chuck Smith gives an inspirational history of how Calvary Chapel got started in the 1960's. The first three chapters and the last, of this 13-chapter book, are Chuck's thoughts, memories, ideas and encouragements about the ministry and the beginnings of Calvary Chapel. He highlights these beginnings with the stories of nine C.C. pastors who were broken hippy kids, but who are now part of the harvesting ministry today. Some of the pastors come from backgrounds of lost family members, crime, drugs, loneliness, the occult, murder and demon possession. But their stories end with lives reflecting God's mercy through the love of Jesus Christ. List of pastors: Greg Laurie, Raul Ries, Mike MacIntosh, Jon Courson, Jeff Johnson, Skip Heitzig, Steve Mays, Bil Gallatin, and Joe Focht.

Many years ago I attended a church where, if someone wanted to sing spontaneously, if someone had a praise report to share, if someone wanted to play the harmonica, or worship dance--leaving no more time for preaching/teaching the Word--it was all right because, "That was worship." I thank God for Calvary Chapel where I learned sound doctrine, walking in the Spirit, the exaltation of Christ and not man ... you get the point. I pray that would-be pastors will read this book first and do things the biblical way.

Calvary Distinctives answered tons of questions I had about where Calvary Chapel came from, and what the church was. I was raised Lutheran Missouri Synod. When I was invited to go to Calvary Chapel I had wondered if it was a cult. This book assured me that Calvary was legit and that the Word of God is the motivation for the church. Now I have been attending Calvary Chapel for seven years, and I love the Lord more than ever before!

I got this book just as our fellowship group was starting a study of Acts. This is complements our study beautifully! Churches nowadays need to stay grounded in the Word of God and Chuck Smith with his church has experienced and learned a lot. They are the Book of Acts in action! Every church member should read this! Who knows? It may start a revival!

I attend a Calvary Chapel and knew the basic beliefs of the church. But have you ever asked yourself why they believed in what they believe? Well, this book has all the answers. It not only explained the reasoning behind the Calvary Chapel beliefs, but it strengthened my faith in the Lord as well. I would highly recommend this book to any believer in Christ.

Inspirational.
God can use anyone. God can even use individuals who have made a mess of their lives. Some of these dudes were REALLY messed up. Each chapter tells the story of a unique person. Each of these individuals is now being used powerfully by God. These were folks who were extremely different, yet each followed certain principles to get to where they are now. Those are principles that are available to me--or to you.

There are many misconceptions or misunderstandings about the doctrine Calvary Chapel teaches. This book spells out their teachings and beliefs in a clear and scriptural way.